Systemic emboli

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Embolism to the systemic arterial circulation from the heart occurs as a complication of a range of cardiac and non-cardiac condititions. Common examples include atrial fibrillation leading to stroke, or embolization of a vegetation in the context of left-sided infective endocarditis. The heart may also be implicated in paradoxical embolism, where a venous thrombus is able to embolize to the arterial circulation through an intracardiac shunt, most commonly a patent foramen ovale. This chapter provides an overview of the clinical features, aetiology, work-up, and considerations for management for patients with systemic embolism.</jats:p>